It’s May Day! You are probably wondering what May Day is. It’s the first day of the fifth month of the modern calendar, May. May Day began as a spring festival where people came together to celebrate the coming of summer. For centuries in countries across the globe, many different customs have been associated with May Day festivities. Some examples include the Maypole, which has Celtic origins, walking the circuit of one’s property, and sword dances. Feasting, drinking, and music are also traditional celebrations.
The RWC community kicks off their own May Day celebration with Worldfest 2006 at 12 p.m. on May Day, in the Courtyard and Commons between SAHB and Muntz. Activities for the day include a welcome ceremony with world flag display and reception. Ms. Shakila Ashmad, co-founder of Muslim Mothers Against Violence (MMAV), will be holding a Peace Conference from 12-1:30 p.m. in SAHB 100, titled “Hate, Terrorism, Religious Extremism: Muslim Mothers Against Violence Respond.” To reserve a seat, call 745-5670.
Tuesday, May 2, brings a chance to experience and enjoy prose and poetry from diverse cultures. Reading Across Cultures will be held in the Muntz Lobby from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Come together in the Courtyard and the Commons between SAHB and Muntz on Wednesday, May 3 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for the Diversity Fair. Here students can walk among a variety of booths sponsored by various groups and organizations, such as the RWC Study Abroad and Exchange Committee, the Cultural Diversity Committee, and Pathways to Employment. There will also be several booths presenting goods for sale.
Would you like to know what our staff and faculty members do when they are not here? Take a moment to enjoy musical performances by “Jammin’ John” Kraimer, Director of Disability Services, on the keyboard; Mike Roos, Professor of English, on vocals and guitar; Missy Krylach, Record Management Officer, on vocals and guitar; and Anthony Malone, Associate Professor of Mathematics, on saxophone. In addition, several students will be reading their poetry and prose. The show will run Wednesday, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., in the Muntz Courtyard.
The Foreign Language Department will be sponsoring a Foreign Film Festival Wednesday and Thursday, May 3-4, 1-4 p.m., both days, in Muntz 349B.
On Thursday, May 4, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Muntz Lobby take a trip to Africa. Authentic Nigerian jewelry and garments will be displayed, cultural food samples offered, and cultural music performed.
Worldfest 2006 is the time to come together and celebrate the joys of life. It is the time to celebrate the diversity in each other. The Grand Finale to Worldfest 2006 comes on Friday, May 5, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Courtyard and Commons. Take a break and enjoy the Courtyard Cookout, some basketball, volleyball, and DJ Willie C. Jackson.
Worldfest 2006 is part of an annual celebration that reaches all of UC’s campuses. Share in the diversity.
For more information, contact the MultiCultural Affairs Office at 745-5691.